Reasearch and Reason

My reading and research has really helped me figure out what I want to discuss in my paper. I want to talk about what defines virtue and vice, the extremes of values and how reason helps us find the mean. I want to compare the similarities and parallels between the hero and villain in Shakespeare and how they each represent extremes on a values spectrum. The beliefs and motivations of the characters are the same, just expressed in different ways.

Hillard, Richard. Edited by Kinney, Arthur F. William Shakespeare: The Problem Plays. Twayne Publishers, New York. 1993. P. 92

                This book talked about the plays in a religious sense, comparing the Duke to a god figure and Isabella marrying him like being the bride of Christ, as nuns are. The title Measure for Measure was compared to the bible passage ‘with what measure ye mette, it shall be measured to you again’. It also discussed Angleo as being stupid for thinking he was above the temptation of the original sin. Shakespeare makes his character confront what they  have shunned or denied and makes their experience match their denial.  There is a parallel drawn between Angelo and Claudius of Hamlet as they both try to pray to absolve them of their sins but are unable to cleanse their thoughts. Also similar to Macbeth, Hamlet, and Angelo as they all lose the unity of themselves, their own personal image of themselves and try to unify themselves through violent actions.

Vyvyan, John. The Shakespearean Ethic. Chattos and Windus Ltd, London. 1959. P. 62.

                This discusses the different methods of ruling, stating three different ways. 1 Strict ppunishment appropriate to crime 2. An indulgent policy of leniency 3. Some curative treatment for evil, creative mercy. The third option goes above and beyond because it tries to cure the evil , this is the ideal. Duke says he is going to punish the city with Angelo but goes undercover to cure them.  The Duke lets the tragedy almost happen to shock the people into a wake up call. Isabella and Angelo are similar because Isabella is virtuous but cold, with no humanity, and Angelo too has strict morals  until he meets her, she who is similar to him and is tempted for the first time. Similarly Isabelle falls by saying she’d rather her brother be tortured to death, to die twenty deaths than give up her chastity and wants to gouge Angelos eyes out. “the goodness that is cheap in beauty”

Sears, Lloyd C. Shakespeare’s Philosophy of Evil. Christopher Publishing House. North Quincy, Mass. 1974. P.123

                This book talks about Aristotle’s definition of Virtue and established that virtues are habit that establish a state of mind characterized by fitness and moderation, conformity to a reasonable standard. Those habits characterized by irregularity and lack of measure are vices.  Virtues are the medium between two vices; vices are the extremes. Ex. Courage is the mean virtue between Cowardice and recklessness, and temperance is the mean between sensuality and the insensate.  The via media is relative though to situation and individual so it’s difficult to obtain.   Excess is sin, Angelo sins being too severe in justice beyond the limits of reason.

Beauregard, David N. Virtues Own Feature: Shakespeare and the Virtue Ethics Tradition. Associated University Press. Deleware. 1995. P. 139

                This book talks about the virtue of temperance, much like the last one.  Angelo has severity and lust, Isabella has clemency and virginity. However, severity and clemency aren’t too different. They both agree that there should be a punishment, they only disagree on what is appropriate punishment; they uphold a common value only when right reason demands it.  The duke wants to keep popular approval but also rid city of moral laxity; the duke is too merciful, Angelo is too severe in Justice. Isabella’s immediate reaction was clemency, Angelo’s  is to make an example to enforce law in the interest of the general good. The duke is somewhere in the middle.

Mrs. Griffith. The Morality of Shakespeare Drama. AMS Press Inc. New York. 1971. P.35

                Mrs. Griffith talks about the dangers apprehended to society from those who affect too much popularity. She also discusses the nature and danger of irresolution and the severity of the characters and their personal judgements.  “Our doubts are traitors”. Contrition vs. Attrition. The frailty of human nature as described in the wanderings of the mind in prayer.